ALEX AMALFI
NWL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES STARTS TUESDAY!
GAME 1: WEDNESDAY, SEPT 10
GAME 2: THURSDAY, SEPT 11
GATES OPEN AT 6PM. FIRST PITCH 7:05 GATES OPEN AT 6PM. FIRST PITCH 7:05
9 GET TO KNOW YOUR CANADIANS FRONT OFFICE STAFF
Meet the team behind our team as we feature those who work around the clock to ensure your best ballpark experience.
14 2024 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
This is your chance to map out the entire summer using our vibrant and colourful Promo Schedule that shows you every single moment this season. A great tool to plan out the games you absolutely HAVE to see this season.
17 ROAD TO THE SHOW
Climbing through the Blue Jays system.
18 TEAM ROSTERS
22 MEET THE 2024 VANCOUVER CANADIANS
This year’s squad is looking to bring home Northwest League Championship #6! Let’s meet this year’s ‘Boys of Summer’!
30 Q & A WITH ALEX AMALFI
Each week, Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium PA announcer and de facto team historian Niall O’Donohoe catches up with a different C’s player. The latest C’s Chat is with Vancouver Canadians reliever Alex Amalfi
40 JACE BOHROFEN NAMED NWL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nine hits, three homers, eight RBI and 1.322 OPS in five games for #26 Blue Jays prospect
44 CANADIANS TO REACH THE MAJOR LEAGUES
A list of alumni who have gone to 'The Show'
46 HOW TO SCORE THE BASEBALL GAME
A Scorekeeping 101.
48 MEET OUR MASCOTS!
The Canadians feature not one, not two, but seven amazing mascots all with their own claim to fame! Take a look at the colourful characters that keeps fans smiling all summer long.
48 KIDS FUN PAGE
Fun kids activities
8,000,000+ Kilometers | 500,000+ Passengers Every year | We're going your way
Whatever the event, no matter how large, Universal has the experience and the fleet to make it happen in comfort and style. From customer shuttles, team buses, student transportation, to major conventions and multi-departure tour programs, we do it all.
FRIDAYS
Gates Open at Noon. First Pitch 1:05 BUY TICKETS
The Vancouver Canadians Baseball League is looking for your help this season. Your assistance will help more than 300 local children between the ages of 6-11 learn a number of life skills on the diamond including teamwork, fair play and how to develop confidence and pride. If you would like to make a donation to Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation, please go to www.vancouverfoundation.ca/vancouvercanadians and click on the donate button.
THANK YOU for supporting the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation and Vancouver Canadians Baseball League. Because of your generosity, we can move forward and bring a summer of fun and memories to children from right here in our own neighbourhoods.
FRONT OFFICE STAFF
JAKE KERR
CHAIR OF VANCOUVER CANADIANS BASEBALL
Born and raised in Vancouver, Jake Kerr attended the University of British Columbia before completing his MBA in Economics and Finance at the University of California at Berkeley. A Canadian business icon, Mr. Kerr has been the recipient of the Order of Canada and Order of British Columbia for his remarkable contributions to both our country and province.
Taking ownership of the Canadians back in 2007, Mr. Kerr has led the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club to eight (8) franchise attendance records, multiple Larry McPhail Awards for excellence within the Northwest League, and Minor League Baseball’s most coveted accolade - the John H. Johnson President’s Trophy, awarded to MiLB’s most complete franchise.
JEFF MOONEY CHAIR OF THE VANCOUVER CANADIANS BASEBALL FOUNDATION
In addition to his valuable contributions to the Vancouver Canadians, Jeff Mooney is Chairman Emeritus and a major shareholder of A&W Food Services of Canadians Inc. Today, A&W is a strategy-driven organization that has grown to over 1,000 locations across Canada. A&W has been recognized as one of the 50 Best Managed Companies in Canada for the past 10 consecutive years, and in 2008, it was honoured to become an official member of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Platinum Club.
Mr. Mooney is an alumnus of both the University of Saskatchewan and Harvard University Graduate School of Business. In 2003, Mr. Mooney received Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee Medal and three years later was inducted into the Restaurant Hall of Fame(2006). In 2016, Mr. Mooney was inducted into the B.C. Business Laureates Hall of Fame and this year received the Order of Canada
ALLAN BAILEY GENERAL MANAGER
Allan Bailey has been with the Vancouver Canadians since 2007 and was appointed General Manager on September 5th, 2018 after spending the previous seven seasons as the organization's Assistant General Manager.
Allan has led several departments during his tenure with the C's including the Nat Bailey Stadium Box Office and its ticket operations as well as his more recent efforts in the Team Operations handling everything from player housing and travel right through to Information Technology (IT).
Born in Victoria, B.C., Allan was raised on the North Shore and up on the Sunshine Coast. Allan completed his education at McGill University while playing five seasons with the McGill Redbirds baseball program. Prior to university, Allan played for the North Shore Twins of the B.C. Premier League.
STEPHANI ELLIS
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER 2024 is Stephani’s tenth season with the Vancouver Canadians. She was promoted to the role of Assistant General Manager in 2019 and was the recipient of the 2019 Northwest League Female Executive of the Year for her work with the C's.
Stephani has led the Canadians Group Sales, Social Media, and Community platforms during her time out at historic Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.
After a standout collegiate softball career at California University of PA where Stephani played for the Vulcans, the Prince of Wales Secondary graduate and former Team BC member began her marketing career with the Canadians.
Stephani works in concert with group leaders who expect the Canadians to provide an excellent ballpark experience with each visit to The Nat. Even with the demands that come with that responsibility alone, Stephani still lends her time to the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation and its fundraising efforts.
WALTER COSMAN VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING
With more than 20 years of Sales & Marketing experience here in Vancouver, Walter decided to put those skills to work in the sport he's most passionate about, baseball.
With a B.A. from the University of New Brunswick, Walter has worked with Proctor & Gamble, Molson Canada, Granville Island Brewing and Steamworks Brewing.
With a longstanding corporate partnership with the Canadians prior to his arrival in May of 2019, Walter joined the organization fully aware of the standard that has put the C's among the best in Minor League Baseball.
BRENDA
CHMILIAR FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Brenda enters her 16th season at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium and her sixth as Financial Controller for the Canadians. She spent the first 10 of those years with Aramark Food Services in the company's financial division, dividing her time between the ballpark and Rogers Arena. Her knowledge of stadium operations thanks to her time with both Aramark and the Canadians have proven to be invaluable during her tenure.
Brenda is responsible for all aspects of the financial operations and is right at home here at The Nat; much of her childhood was spent on local baseball fields up in Kamloops.
JACOB NAKHLEH
MANAGER,
TICKET OPERATIONS
Jacob returns for his eighth season with the C’s and his first as Manager, Ticket Operations.
He first joined the club for the 2016 season, when he began his time with the C’s in the Box Office. Jacob was first hired as a member of the game day staff, then promoted to Box Office Assistant before joining the sales team at the conclusion of the 2021 season. After spending the last couple of years working in sales and community relations, Jacob is excited to be back at home in the Box Office.
Prior to joining the C’s in a full-time role, Jacob graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance).
When Jacob’s away from The Nat, you can find him watching Blue Jays baseball, Seahawks football, or dreaming about ice fishing in Saskatchewan.
ROSEMARY ALBERTS COORDINATOR, MARKETING SERVICES
Rosemary enters her first year with the Canadians as a Marketing Services Coordinator. She recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with her Bachelor of Arts in May 2023 and her Master of Management in December 2023.
Born in Richmond, Rosemary was raised in Victoria, B.C. where she grew up playing volleyball. Her previous work experience includes being the Communications & Administrative Coordinator for Athletics for Kids and a Varsity Game Day Statistician for UBC Athletics. She is excited to help the C’s organization in any way she can.
When Rosemary is not at the Nat, she enjoys her time watching the Canucks, kickboxing, or spending time with family and friends.
CHARLENE YAROSHUK ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR
Charlene is excited to be entering her sixth season with the Vancouver Canadians as their Accounting Coordinator. In 2020 she graduated from Kwantlen Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.
Growing up in the Vancouver area she spent most of her free time practicing martial arts and currently has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
TYLER ZICKEL
MANAGER OF BROADCASTING & MEDIA RELATIONS
2024 is Tyler’s fourth with the Canadians, seventh within the Toronto Blue Jays organization and 10th in Minor League Baseball.
Before the C's, Tyler served as the Director of Promotions & Entertainment and Radio Broadcaster for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Over the course of three seasons in Manchester, he oversaw the entire ingame presentation and promotions departments while traveling throughout the Eastern League calling 'Cats games. He has especially fond memories of the 2018 campaign, when he worked alongside current Jays (and former C’s) skipper John Schneider and the likes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio and Jordan Romano. He began his MiLB career in 2014 as a communications intern for the Advanced-A Lake Elsinore Storm in the California League. He made his professional baseball radio debut with the Storm in 2015 and handled the middle innings of road games for the rest of his tenure. Tyler, his wife Kate and dog Rosie make their offseason home in Portland, OR, where they play copious amounts of pickleball and obsess over the University of Texas Longhorns football season each fall. Born and raised in San Diego, Tyler is a lifelong Padres fan and will always “Keep The Faith.
Proud to support the
AVAILABLE ON THE CONCOURSE AND at THE 3RD BASE CRAFT ZONE
LEVI WEBER HEAD GROUNDSKEEPER
Levi―the 2023 Northwest League Groundskeeper of the Year―is no stranger to this circuit, with prior experience as the Head Groundskeeper for the Spokane Indians at Avista Stadium. His talents have also taken him to the desert, where he was the Field Manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Spring Training facility in Arizona. The Colton, WA native graduated from Washington State University with a Double Major in Turfgrass Management and Vegetable Management and two minors in Horticulture and Agricultural Systems.
In his time away from the ballpark, you can find him on the golf course, weight training or enjoying time with family and friends.
COOPER MISIC CO-ORDINATOR, SALES
Cooper enters his third season with the Canadians and his second season as Coordinator, Sales. He is excited to take on more responsibilities during the 2024 season.
A former Langley Blaze star pitcher who took his talents south of the border to play for both Galveston College and Central Washington University, Cooper graduated from CWU with a degree in Sports Management with a Specialization in Business.
When Cooper’s away from The Nat, you can find him enjoying even more baseball, playing golf, or trying out every new restaurant in town.
DREW HOWSON SALES ASSOCIATE
2024 marks Drew’s third season in the Toronto Blue Jays organization and second full season in Vancouver. This season will be his first in an office role as a Sales Associate.
After graduating St. Clair College with a degree in Sport and Recreation Management and interning with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, Drew began his career in professional baseball as a member of the Canadians Grounds Crew. He would go on to gain experience with the Toronto Blue Jays Facility Department, assisting with the renovation and clean-up of Rogers Centre before returning to Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.
Drew is a baseball junkie. He played and coached at many levels in his hometown community of Windsor, Ontario, most notably with the Tecumseh Rangers. In his off time, you’ll usually find him hiking, playing his guitar, or cheering on the Detroit Tigers and his beloved Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue!
LIAM GUERRIERO
CO-ORDINATOR, SALES
2024 is Liam’s second season with the C’s, and first as a Sales Coordinator. The 24-year old graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from their four-year program.
A native of Waterloo, Ontario, Liam grew up playing competitive hockey for the Waterloo Wolves. He loves playing and watching hockey, baseball, golf and football. He’s a fan of the Boston Bruins, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Browns and Rory McIlroy.
IZZY DINO SALES ASSOCIATE
Izzy joins the C’s as a Sales Associate for the 2024 season. She recently graduated from Seattle University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Media Studies. A native of North Vancouver, Izzy grew up playing competitive softball in both Vancouver and Richmond. She went on to log five NCAA Division I seasons between the University of Hawaii and Seattle University. In her spare time, she coaches youth softball pitchers on the North Shore. Izzy’s hobbies include watching and playing softball, yoga, going to the beach, and travelling to new places.
ZACH MAHAFFY SALES ASSOCIATE
Zachary returns to The Nat for his third season with the Canadians and his first in sales. He spent the previous two seasons as Box Office Assistant for the club.
In April 2023, Zachary graduated with a BBA from the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, concentrating in Marketing and Strategic Analysis.
A native of Surrey, Zachary played rep hockey with Semiahmoo MHA from U15 to U18, while also playing one season in the Pacific Junior Hockey League with the White Rock Whalers and Port Moody Panthers. During the baseball offseason, Zachary officiates hockey, from U15 all the way up to the Pacific Junior Hockey League. He achieved his Member High Performance certification with Hockey Canada in December 2023.
CASE GIVEAWAY
BROOKS PRIMO TRAVIS PORTER CAMERON CARELSE
ADAM HAUXWELL
2024 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
CRAFT CORNER ICE COLD - FRESH BEER -
LOCATED IN THE -
3RD BASE FOOD COURT
PROUDLY SERVING
ROAD TO THE SHOW
Baseball players work their way up through the organization in hopes of getting to the big leagues. Toronto is in the American League and pulls its talent from these teams.
JOHN SCHNEIDER MANAGER
MARK BUDZINSKI FIRST BASE COACH
GIL KIM FIELD COORDINATOR
LUIS RIVERA THIRD BASE COACH
DON MATTINGLY BENCH COACH
HUNTER MENSE ASSISTANT HITTING COACH
PETE WALKER PITCHING COACH
DAVE HUDGENS MAJOR LEAGUE HITTING STRATEGIST
MANAGER CASEY CANDAELE BENCH COACH DONNIE MURPHY HITTING COACH RYAN LONG
GUILLERMO MARTINEZ HITTING COACH
JEFF WARE ASSISTANT PITCHING COACH, BULLPEN
ADAM YUDELMAN MAJOR LEAGUE COACH ALEX ANDREOPOULOS BULLPEN CATCHER
PITCHING COACH DREW HAYES
POSITION COACH JUSTIN ECHEVARRIA
DAVID HOWELL ASSISTANT PITCHING COACH, STRATEGY
HURTADO BULLPEN CATCHER
BULLPEN COACH ANTHONY GOMEZ
MANAGER CESAR MARTIN BENCH COACH JAKE MCGUIGGAN
HITTING COACH MITCH HUCKABAY
PITCHING COACH JOEL BONNETT
BRENT LAVALLEE MANAGER
BARRETO BENCH COACH
WRIGHT HITTING COACH
30 Alex Amalfi 6-1 185 R/R 23 02/18/01 Ashland, MA Dunedin MiLB FA, 07/26/22
25 Bo Bonds 5-11 200 R/R 23 01/10/01 Live Oak, FL FCL, Dunedin 13th, ’22, Louisiana-Lafayette
28 Irv Carter 6-4 210 R/R 21 10/09/02 Fort Lauderdale, FL Dunedin 5th, ’21, Calvary Christian Academy (FL)
11 Pat Gallagher 6-0 200 R/R 23 06/30/00 Leominster, MA Dunedin, Vancouver 11th, ’22, Connecticut
Chris McElvain 6-0 205 R/R 23 09/15/00 Thompson Stn, TN Daytona, Dayton (CIN) Trade w/CIN, 03/20/24
Kevin Miranda 5-10 180 R/R 25 11/14/98 Dolega, PAN Dunedin, Vancouver INT FA, 08/04/22
5 Aaron Munson 5-10 180 L/R 22 03/15/02 San Antonio, TX FCL, Dunedin 19th, ’23, Angelo State (TX)
17 Connor O’Halloran 6-2 195 R/L 21 09/01/02 Mississauga, ON College, Dunedin 5th Rd, ’23, Michigan
3 Kai Peterson 6-1 195 L/L 21 08/14/02 Roseville, CA College 20th, ’23, Sierra College (CA)
Carson Pierce 6-3 215 R/R 22 09/10/01 Edmond, OK College, FCL, Dunedin ND FA, 08/04/23
40 Grant Rogers 6-7 230 R/R 23 05/22/01 Groves, TX College
16 Kendry Rojas 6-2 190 L/L 21 11/26/02 Ciego De Avila, CU Dunedin INT FA, 10/14/20
34 Grayson Thurman 6-3 205 R/R 25 12/27/98 Lynch Station, VA Dunedin, New Hampshire MiLB FA, 03/24/23
36 Geison Urbaez 6-1 185 R/R 23 07/05/00 Cabral, DOM DNP INT FA, 10/14/20
14 Ryan Watson 6-3 205 R/R 25 04/26/99 Sugar Hill, GA College ND FA, 05/31/24
10 Juaron Watts-Brown 6-3 195 R/R 22 02/23/02 Hanford, CA College 3rd, ’23, Oklahoma State
20 Chay Yeager 5-11 180 S/R 21 09/11/02 Fort Wayne, IN FCL, Dunedin 12th, ’23, Pasco-Hernando State JC
CATCHERS (3) HT WT B/T AGE DOB HOMETOWN ’23 CLUBS ACQUIRED
26 Nicolas Deschamps 5-11 190 L/R 21 08/25/02 Quebec City, QC Dunedin ND FA, 08/16/21
31 Jackson Hornung 6-2 215 R/R 23 02/06/01 Ashland, MA College, Dunedin 16th, ’23, Skidmore
23 Jacob Sharp 5-8 185 R/R 22 09/15/01 Whittier, CA College, ACL (SEA) Trade w/SEA, 07/26/24
27 Alex Stone 6-5 235 R/R 22 11/03/01 Andover, NJ College (Duke) ND FA, 07/19/24
INFIELDERS (6) HT
6 Bryce Arnold 5-10 180 R/R 23 07/24/01 Grimsby, ON College, DUN, NH ND FA, 07/20/23
18 Jamari Baylor 5-11 195 R/R 23 08/25/00 Richmond, VA JS (PHI), ACL (COL), FRE (COL), SPO (COL) MiLB FA, 05/22/24
21 Cutter Coffey 6-1 190 R/R 20 05/21/04 Bakersfield, CA Salem, Greenville (BOS) Trade w/BOS, 7/27/04
1 Nick Goodwin 6-1 205 R/R 22 09/06/01 Overland Park, KS College, Dunedin, Vancouver 7th Rd, ’23, Kansas State
4 Jay Harry 5-11 190 L/R 22 07/18/02 Metuchen, NJ FCL, Fort Myers (MIN) Trade w/MIN, 07/30/24
15 Brennan Orf 6-4 230 L/R 22 09/06/01 Wildwood, MO College, Dunedin 13th, ’23, So. Illinois-Edwardsville
7 Adrian Pinto 5-8 170 R/R 21 09/22/02 Caucagua, VZ FCL, DUN Trade w/COL, 07/09/22
44 Peyton Williams 6-5 255 L/L 23 9/14/00 Johnston, IA Dunedin, Vancouver 7th Rd, ’22, Iowa
OUTFIELDERS (4) HT WT B/TAGE – DOB HOMETOWN ’23 CLUBS ACQUIRED
22 Victor Arias 5-11 170 L/L 20 08/24/03 Maracay, VZ FCL, Dunedin, New Hampshire INT FA, 08/24/19
8 Jace Bohrofen 6-2 205 L/R 22 10/19/01 Oklahoma City, OK College, FCL, Dunedin 6th, ’23, Arkansas
9 Marcos De La Rosa 5-11 175 S/R 24 01/28/02 Santo Domingo, DOM FCL, Dunedin, Vancouver INT FA, 06/15/19
24 Je'Von Ward 6-2 195 L/R 24 10/25/99 Cerritos, CA Wisconsin (MIL) MiLB FA, 06/15/24
TOR SYSTEM: BUF – AAA | NH – AA | VAN – A+ | DUN – A | FCL – R ^Development List
PRONUNCIATIONS: Amalfi – uh-MAL (rhymes w/ pal)-fee | McElvain – MAC-ull-vain | Juaron – jur-RON | Geison Urbaez – Jason ur-BYE-ez Yeager – like the liquor | Deschamps – day-SHOM| Hornung – HORE-nung | Coffey – like the drink | Arias – AIR-ias | Bohrofen – BORE-fin Dasan – duh-SAWN | B. Lavallee – luh-valley | Deiferson - DEAF-erson | Bibens-Dirkx – bibbens durks | Stephenson – Stevenson
MANAGER: 33 Brent Lavallee
BENCH COACH: 13 Deiferson Barreto
PITCHING COACH: 29 Austin Bibens-Dirkx
HITTING COACH: 12 Ryan Wright
POS. PLAYER COACH: 2 Ashley Stephenson
BULLPEN COACH: 37 Carson Phillips
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING: Bailey Forst
ASSISTANT S&C: Zane Hunt
ATHLETIC TRAINER: Rob Shifrin
ATHLETIC THERAPIST: Katie Reyes
TECH ASSISTANT: Cristian Cordova
DIETITIAN: Stephanie Boville
MENTAL COACH: Raul Pimentel
HOME CLUBHOUSE MANAGER: Glenn Hall
VISITOR CLUBHOUSE MANAGER: Cole Howes
NO PITCHERS (15) T HT WT AGE BORN
16 Daniel Blair RHP 6’3 197 25 4/8/99
Peachtree City, GA University of Texas UFA, 2/25/23
54 Wilkelma Castillo RHP 6’0 170 24 1/6/00 Valencia, VZ -- Int FA, 3/10/18
40 Dylan Carmouche LHP 6’6 225 22 8/22/01 Baton Rouge, LA Tulane University 15th Round, 2023
39 Cam Cotter RHP 6’3 220 25 12/12/99 Greensboro, NC NC State UFA, 5/23/23
17 Hunter Dula RHP 6’1 197 25 3/8/99 Troutman, NC Wingate University 18th Rnd, 2021
48 Trent Harris RHP 6’2 200 25 1/22/99 Cary, NC UNC Pembroke UFA, 7/17/23
21 Tommy Kane LHP 6’1 180 22 10/31/01 Boomall, PA University of Maryland 19th Rnd, 2023
43 Manuel Mercedes RHP 6’4 194 21 9/21/02 Monte Plata, DR Int FA, 7/2/19
38 Matt Mikulski LHP 6’4 215 25 5/8/99
60 Cesar Perdomo LHP 6’0 196 22 2/9/02
Mohegan Lake, NY Fordham University 2nd Rnd, 2021
San Juan de los Morros, VZ -- Int FA7/2/21
35 Austin Strickland RHP 6’2 210 22 5/31/02 Winchester, OH University of Kentucky Trade with PIT 4/2/24
14 Cody Tucker RHP 6’5 210 25 3/1/99 Mesa, AZ Grand Canyon University UFA, 7/17/23
59 Esmerlin Vinicio LHP 6’2 143 21 1/31/03 Villa Mella, DR -- Int FA, 7/2/19
34 Tyler Vogel RHP 6’0 173 23 11/16/00 Dunedin, FL Jacksonville University 12th Rnd, 2022
29 Joe Whitman LHP 6’5 200 22 9/17/01 Akron, OH
Josh Wolf RHP 6’3 170 23 9/1/00 Bellaire, TX
Kent State University 2nd Rnd, 2023
Saint Thomas HS (TX) MiLB Free Agent, 5/24/24
NO CATCHERS (3) B-T HT WT AGE BORN BIRTHPLACE SCHOOL ACQUIRED
12 Thomas Gavello L/R 5’10 184 23 6/6/01 Antioch, CA
University of the Pacific 13th Rnd, 2022
33 Onil Perez R/R 6’1 224 21 9/10/02 Santo Domingo Este, DR -- Int FA7/2/19
46 Luke Shliger L/R 5’9 180 22 9/25/01 Bronx, NY
NO INFIELDERS (6) B-T HT WT AGE BORN BIRTHPLACE
University of Maryland 6th Rnd, 2023
6 Aeverson Arteaga R/R 6’1 170 21 3/16/03 Chirgua, Venezuela -- Int FA, 7/2/19
34 Sabin Ceballos R/R 6’3 225 21 8/17/02 San Juan, PR
28 Bryce Eldridge L/R 6’7 223 19 10/20/04 Fairfax, VA
32 Cole Foster S/R 6’1 193 22 10/8/01 Plano, TX
47 Quinn McDaniel R/R 5’11 180 21 9/27/02 Portsmouth, NH
University of Oregon 3rd Rnd, 2023
Madison HS (VA) 1st Rnd, 2023
Auburn University 3rd Rnd, 2023
University of Maine 5th Rnd, 2023
56 Charlie Szykowny L/R 6’4 225 24 6/30/00 Oak Lawn, IL Univ. of Illinois Chicago 9th Rnd, 2023
NO OUTFIELDERS (6) B-T HT WT AGE BORN BIRTHPLACE SCHOOL ACQUIRED
31 Scott Bandura L/R 6’4 190 22 8/2/01 Philadelphia, PA Princeton 7th Rnd, 2023
7 Jonah Cox R/R 6’3 200 22 8/4/01 Louisville, CO Oral Roberts University Trade with OAK 2/2/24
41 Rodolfo Nolasco R/R 5’11 175 22 9/23/01 Santo Domingo, DR -- Trade with PIT 5/10/24
10 Alex Suarez R/R 6’2 216 22 12/20/01 Valera, VZ -- Int FA, 10/1/18 James Tibbs III L/L 6’0 201 21 10/1/02 Atlanta, GA Florida State University 1st Rnd, 2024
PRONUNCIATIONS: Dylan Carmouche (car-moosh) Matt Mikulski (mih-KULL-skee), Esmerlin Vinicio (Es-mur-lin vih-NEE-see-oh), Hayden Wynja (WIN-yuh), Thomas Gavello (gah-VELL-oh), Luke Shliger (rhymes with ‘trigger’), Sabin Ceballos (suh-BEAN suh-BYE-oh-ss), Charlie Szykowny (zih-cohn-ee)
MANAGER: 62 Jeremiah Knackstedt
PITCHING COACH: 13 Mario Rodriguez
HITTING COACH: 23 Jared Walker
FUNDAMENTALS COACH: 2 Eliezer Zambrano
TRAINER: Joesph Holstedt
STRENGTH COACH: Chris Harms
WATCH EVERY MiLB GAME FOR FREE
FIELD STAFF
BRENT LAVALLEE 33 MANAGER
• Entering his second year as Manager in Vancouver, coming off a 67-62 campaign... Served as a Manager for the first time in 2021 while with the FCL Blue Jays...Played at LSU Shreveport until 2009 and joined their coaching staff as a Graduate Assistant in 2010...Started as a full-time assistant in 2012 and was named the Head Coach in 2016...In three years, his teams produced with an overall record of 126-57 and claimed the last two conference championships.
• The North Delta, British Columbia, native played for LSU for five seaons, including a medical redshirt campaign...Played a total of 200 games and earned 2009 1st Team All-Canada while runner up for Canadian College Baseball Player of the Year.
DEIFERSON BARRETO 13 BENCH COACH
• Moving up to Bench Coach after spending the last two seasons as Position Coach for the DSL Blue Jays...Started his coaching career in 2018 with Advanced-A Dunedin by assisting the coaching staff...In 2019, was assigned as Assistant Pitching Coach at The Toronto Blue Jays Dominican Academy...That July, he transitioned to the infield coach for the J2 signed players...In 2020, served as Infield Coach for the Dominican Academy and was instrumental in assisting the club with the Venezuelan players who were unable to get back home because of the pandemic.
• Signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as an international free agent in September of 2011....Played as an infielder in the Blue Jays system from 2012-2017, reaching as high as Triple-A Buffalo..
AUSTIN BIBENS-DIRKX 29 PITCHING COACH
• Officially retired in January and is entering his first year in professional baseball as a coach, taking on Bullpen Coach for Vancouver.
• The native of Salem, OR, was selected out of the University of Portland by the Seattle Mariners in the 16th round of the 2006 draft...Eventually reached the Majors for 37 games while with Texas in 2017 and 2018... Has also pitched in the Venezuelan Winter League, the Dominican Winter League, the Mexican League, and the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
RYAN WRIGHT
HITTING COACH
• Made his Minor League coaching debut in 2021, in his current role, after his debut with Class-A Lansing was cancelled in 2020...Began his coaching career at Capital High School in Boise, ID, from 2015-2016... Was a Graduate Assistant at California State University Northridge in 2016... Joined the organization from Montana State University Billings where he was on staff since 2017... Served as the Hitting Coach & Recruiting Coordinator at MSUB...Has also managed the Spearfish Sasquatch Baseball Club in Spearfish, SD (2018-2019), and the Kelowna Falcons Baseball Club in Kelowna, BC (2019).
• Played collegiately at the University of Utah, Treasure Valley Community College, and Oklahoma City University.
ASHLEY STEPHENSON 2 POSITION COACH
• 2024 is Ashley’s second season with the Blue Jays...Follows Jaime (Vieira) Lever as the second female coach in the organization...Coached with the Canadian Women’s National Team since 2018, leading to a Bronze medal at the COPABE Women’s Pan-American Championships in 2019, and was the first woman to manage the Women’s National Team when Canada played against USA in Thunder Bay in 2022...Was also the first woman to coach in the Canadian Futures Showcase, hosted by the Blue Jays baseball academy in Ottawa last year...Made history in November as she became the first woman to capture Baseball Canada’s Lionel Ruhr Elite Coach of the Year Award.
• Was an original member of the Women’s National Team in 2004 and played for 15 years...Won four Women’s Baseball World Cup medals (three bronze, one silver), and a silver at the Pan American Games in 2015.
• 2024 Inductee into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
CARSON PHILLIPS
37 BULLPEN COACH
• Joins the Vancouver Canadians for his first season in the organization...Was working at the University of Arizona as a Graduate Assistant Pitching Coach.
• Played at Dixie State University where he completed a Bachelors in Exercise Science... Also attended the University of Arizona.
ROSTER
CHRIS McELVAIN 26
HT: 6-0 WT: 205
B/T: R/R
DOB: 09/15/00
HOMETOWN: Thompson Station, TN
23 CLUBS: Daytona, Dayton (CIN) AQUIRED: Trade w/CIN, 03/20/24
CARSON PIERCE 18
HT: 6-3 WT: 215
B/T: R/R
DOB: 09/10/01
HOMETOWN: Edmond, OK
23 CLUBS: College, FCL, Dunedin
AQUIRED: ND FA, 08/04/23
HT: 6-1 WT: 185
B/T: R/R
DOB: 02/18/01
HOMETOWN: Ashland, MA
23 CLUBS: Dunedin AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 07/26/22
KEVIN MIRANDA 17
HT: 5-10 WT: 180
B/T: R/R
DOB: 11/14/98
HOMETOWN: Dolega, PAN
23 CLUBS: Dunedin, Vancouver AQUIRED: INT FA, 08/04/22
GRANT ROGERS 40
HT: 6-7 WT: 230
B/T: R/R
DOB: 05/22/01
HOMETOWN: GROVES, TX
23 CLUBS: College AQUIRED: N/A
BO BONDS 25
HT: 5-11 WT: 200
B/T: R/R
DOB: 01/10/01
HOMETOWN: Live Oak, FL
23 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin AQUIRED: 13th, ’22, LouisianaLafayette
AARON MUNSON 5
HT: 5-10 WT: 180
B/T: L/R
DOB: 03/15/02
HOMETOWN: San Antonio, TX
23 CLUBS: FCL. Dunedin AQUIRED: I19th, ’23, Angelo State (TX)
KENDRY ROJAS 16
HT: 6-2 WT: 190
B/T: L/L
DOB: 11/26/02
HOMETOWN: Ciego De Avila, CU
23 CLUBS: Dunedin
AQUIRED: INT FA, 10/14/20
IRV CARTER 3
HT: 6-4 WT: 210
B/T: R/R
DOB: 10/09/02
HOMETOWN: Fort Lauderdale, FL
23 CLUBS: Dunedin
AQUIRED: 5th, ’21, Calvary Christian Academy (FL)
CONNOR O' HALLORAN 17
HT: 6-2 WT: 195B/T: R/R
DOB: 09/01/02
HOMETOWN: Mississauga, ON
23 CLUBS: College, Dunedin AQUIRED: 5th, ’23, Michigan
GRAYSON THURMAN 34
HT: 6-3 WT: 205
B/T: R/R
DOB: 12/27/98
HOMETOWN: Lynch Station, VA
23 CLUBS: Dunedin, New Hampshire
AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 03/24/23
PAT GALLAGHER 11
HT: 6-0 WT: 200
B/T: R/R
DOB: 06/30/00
HOMETOWN: Leominster, MA
23 CLUBS: Dunedin, Vancouver AQUIRED: 11th, ’22, Connecticut
KAI PETERSON 3
HT: 6-1 WT: 195
B/T: L/L
DOB: 08/14/02
HOMETOWN: Roseville, CA
23 CLUBS: College
AQUIRED: 20th, '23, Sierra College
GEISON URBAEZ 36
HT: 6-1 WT: 185
B/T: R/R
DOB: 07/05/00
HOMETOWN: Cabral, DOM
23 CLUBS: DNP
AQUIRED: INT FA, 10/14/20
RYAN WATSON 14
HT: 6-3 WT: 205
B/T: R/R
DOB: 04/26/99
HOMETOWN: Sugar Hill, GA
23 CLUBS: College
AQUIRED: ND FA, 05/31/24
JACOB SHARP 23
HT: 5-8 WT: 185
B/T: R/R
DOB: 09/15/01
HOMETOWN: Whittier, CA
23 CLUBS: College, ACL (SEA) AQUIRED: Trade w/SEA, 07/26/24
NICK GOODWIN 1
HT: 6-1 WT: 205
B/T: R/R
DOB: 09/06/01
HOMETOWN: Overland Park, KS
23 CLUBS: College, Dunedin, Vancouver
AQUIRED: 7th Rd, ’23, Kansas State
JUARON WATTS-BROWN 10
HT: 6-3 WT: 195
B/T: R/R
DOB: 02/23/02
HOMETOWN: Hanford, CA
23 CLUBS: College AQUIRED: 3rd, '23, Oklahoma St
ALEX STONE
HT: 6-5 WT: 235
B/T: R/R
DOB: 11/03/01
HOMETOWN: Andover, NJ
23 CLUBS: College (Duke) AQUIRED: ND FA, 07/19/24
JAY HARRY
HT: 5-9 WT: 190
B/T: L/R
DOB: 07/18/02
HOMETOWN: Metuchen, NJ
CHAY
YEAGER 20
HT: 5-11 WT: 180
B/T: S/R
DOB: 09/11/02
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN
23 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin
AQUIRED: 12th, ’23, PascoHernando State JC
NICOLAS DESCHAMPS 26
HT: 5-11 WT: 190
B/T: L/R
DOB: 08/25/02
HOMETOWN: Quebec City, QC
23 CLUBS: Dunedin AQUIRED: ND FA, 08/16/21
BRYCE ARNOLD 6
HT: 5-10 WT: 180
B/T: R/R
DOB: 07/24/01
HOMETOWN: Grimsby, ON
23 CLUBS: College, Dunedin, New Hampshire
AQUIRED: ND FA, 07/20/23
4
23 CLUBS: FCL, Fort Myers (MIN) AQUIRED: Trade w/MIN, 07/30/24
BRENNAN ORF 15
HT: 6-4 WT: 230
B/T: L/R
DOB: 01/10/99
HOMETOWN: Wildwood, MO
23 CLUBS: College, Dunedin
AQUIRED: 13th, '23, So. IllinoisEdwardsville
JACKSON HORNUNG 31
HT: WT: 215
B/T: R/R
DOB: 02/06/01
HOMETOWN: Ashland, MA
23 CLUBS: College, Dunedin
AQUIRED: 16th, ’23, Skidmore
JAMARI BAYLOR 18
HT: 5-11 WT: 195
B/T: R/R
DOB: 08/25/00
HOMETOWN: Richmond, VA
23 CLUBS: JS (PHI), ACL (COL), FRE (COL), SPO (COL) AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 05/22/24
ADRIAN PINTO 7
HT: 5-8 WT: 170
B/T: R/R
DOB: 09/22/02
HOMETOWN: Caucagua, VZ
23 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin
AQUIRED: Trade w/COL, 07/09/22
CUTTER COFFEY 21
HT: 6-1 WT: 190
B/T: R/R
DOB: 05/21/04
HOMETOWN: Bakersfield, CA
23 CLUBS: Salem, Greenville (BOS) AQUIRED: Trade w/BOS, 7/27/04
PEYTON WILLIAMS 44 OUTFIELDER
HT: 6-5 WT: 255
B/T: L/L
DOB: 09/14/00
HOMETOWN: Johnston, IA
’23 CLUBS: Dunedin, Vancouver ACQUIRED: 7th Rd, ’22, Iowa
VICTOR ARIAS 22
HT: 5-11 WT: 170
B/T: L/L
DOB: 08/24/03
HOMETOWN: Maracay, VZ
23 CLUBS: Dunedin, New Hampshire
AQUIRED: INT FA, 08/24/19
ROB SHIFRIN HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER
JACE BOHROFEN 8
HT: 6-2 WT: 205
B/T: L/R
DOB: 10/19/01
HOMETOWN: Oklahoma City, OK
23 CLUBS: College, FCL, Dunedin
AQUIRED: 6th, ’23, Arkansas
KATIE REYES ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER
MARCOS DE LA ROSA 9
HT: 5-11 WT: 175
B/T: S/R
DOB: 10/25/1999
HOMETOWN: Santo Domingo, DR
23 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin, Vancouver
AQUIRED: INT FA, 06/15/194
BAILEY FORST HEAD STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH
RAUL PIMENTEL MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH
CRISTIAN CORDOVA TECH ASSISTANT
GLENN HALL HOME CLUBHOUSE MANAGER
JE'VON WARD
HT: 6-2 WT: 195
B/T: L/R
DOB: 10/25/1999
HOMETOWN: Cerritos, CA
23 CLUBS: Wisconsin (MIL)
AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 06/15/24
HUNT ASSISTANT STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH
HOWES VISITOR CLUBHOUSE MANAGER
BOVILLE DIETICIAN
ZANE
STEPHANIE
COLE
Each week, Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium PA announcer and de facto team historian Niall O’Donohoe catches up with a different C’s player. The latest C’s Chat is with Vancouver Canadians reliever Alex Amalfi.
ALEX AMALFI
Born as Alexei Popov Sergikov, Alex was adopted in a Russian orphanage by his parents Michael and Pamela Amalfi when he was two years old according to Sportsnet, who profiled Amalfi as part of its In The System series.
Growing up in Ashland, Massachusetts, Amalfi got started in baseball at an early age and was a teammate of C’s catcher Jackson Hornung in T-Ball and Little League. That partnership also continued at Ashland High School where they were teammates in baseball and hockey. Amalfi helped the baseball Clockers win the Tri-Valley League Championship in 2015. During high school, he compiled a career record of 15-5 with a 2.07 earned run average, including a 7-1 mark with a 0.96 ERA in his senior season to win Tri-Valley Pitcher of the Year honours in 2019.
BY NIALL O’DONOHOE OF C’S PLUS BASEBALL
The summer of 2019 saw Amalfi enjoy his best-ever performance on the mound when he threw a no-hitter for Nokona Baseball, an AAU (Amateur Athletic Association) squad. It ended with a 9-3 putout as the Nokona right fielder did his best Jesse Barfield impersonation to throw out the runner at first base. It was with Nokona that Amalfi got the attention of University of Massachusetts-Boston coach Brendan Eygabroat. After accepting an invite to a UMB prospect camp, Amalfi would commit to the Beacons.
COVID delayed Amalfi’s first college season to 2021 but he did get to join the Worcester Bravehearts of the Futures Collegiate League for the 2020 campaign. He won both of his decisions and struck out 19 batters in 12 innings.
With UMass Boston in 2021, Amalfi earned a save but four of his seven appearances were as a starter as he put a 1.93 ERA with a 34-6 strikeout/walk total in 28 innings. It was off to Worcester again for more summer ball and he was named a Futures Collegiate League All-Star where he went 4-3 with a 3.38 ERA and struck out 68 batters in 53-1/3 innings.
Amalfi shone even brighter with the Beacons in 2022. He won eight of 12 decisions with a 3.38 ERA and struck out 101 batters against 28 walks in 56 innings. His signature outing was an 18-strikeout performance over seven shutout innings in a win over the University of Southern Maine in the Little East Conference Tournament on May 11.
The two-time Little East Conference 2nd Team selection would go on to the Cape Cod League to join the Orleans Firebirds where he sat down 19 batters in 17 innings.
Even though he was not drafted, Amalfi was courted by one West Coast MLB team but ultimately decided to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays as a free agent on July 26, 2022 on the advice of scout Pete Holmes. Amalfi made six appearances with the Dunedin Blue Jays at the end of the year with his pro debut coming against Jupiter on August 17.
It was back to Dunedin for Amalfi in 2023 and he put up a 2.00 ERA in April thanks in large part to four shutout innings with two strikeouts against Tampa on April 14 in his second professional start. He was placed on the injured list on April 29 but made it back to the mound where he pitched 1-2/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts in Tampa on May 19.
Amalfi’s first professional win came in his next outing as he flexed his way through two perfect innings and five strikeouts against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels on May 27. He earned a hold with three shutout stanzas and four Ks at Bradenton on June 8 and collected his second win by fanning six while putting up three goose eggs against Lakeland on June 14. His first professional save came against Lakeland on July 20 with two bagels and three whiffs. It was at Lakeland that Amalfi earned another victory with two shutout inning in which he fanned two on August 10. He finished the month with another win against St. Lucie with 3-2/3 shutout innings and five punchouts. The season totals were 62 strikeouts in 50-1/3 innings with a 4-4 record and a 3.75 ERA.
Amalfi was named to the 2024 Opening Day roster for the Vancouver
Canadians and made his debut in the season opener at Spokane on April 5. He tossed two shutout innings with two strikeouts in a win at Eugene on April 23. Amalfi did not allow a run in three innings and struck out three to help the C’s win against Everett on May 10. Another three-shutout inning performance came on June 7 at Everett which saw him record one strikeout. He then earned his first save with a perfect ninth inning and one strikeout at Tri-City on June 19. In the second-half season opener on June 21, Amalfi bridged the gap with three shutout innings and four strikeouts in an eventual win at Tri-City.
C’s Plus Baseball spoke with the 23-year-old Amalfi during the team’s homestand against Spokane in mid-June. This interview has been edited for clarity.
C’s Plus Baseball – How you got started in baseball, where did your journey start?
Alex Amalfi – My baseball journey started from the earliest age I can remember. I always just had a glove on me, had a little bat with me everywhere I went. Me and my buddies always played wiffle ball growing up, just in the front yard, the back yard, wherever. I think that really led me into just getting into baseball more. I played Little League and all that, T-ball, and I’ve just always loved baseball. I eventually got into high school and kept just enjoying the game. I honestly never thought I would get to college. I wasn’t one of those kids who grew up thinking, ‘Oh, I want to go to Florida State, one of those schools.’ I didn’t really think about college, but I was lucky enough to get recruited by (head coach) Brendan Eygabroat from UMass Boston and that was an amazing opportunity that he gave me. And then from there, I just kept getting better, working harder, kept getting some invites to these showcase days. And from there, that’s where (Blue Jays) scout Pete Holmes saw me and eventually, he just kept following me and eventually it happened.
CPB – In high school, did you play other sports?
AA – I played hockey in high school. I started hockey pretty late compared to everybody. Same thing with me for baseball. My Dad said he took me out because I was always complaining about my helmet hurting but I eventually got back into it because the same buddies I played wiffle ball with started putting a rink in their backyard and I kept playing there. They wanted to play high school hockey so I just joined them. I played with Jackson (Jackson Hornung). He was really good at hockey but I just had some fun. I only played that.
CPB – Were you a forward or a defenceman?
AA – I was a forward. I played a good amount of center and some wing, but I liked center just because I was pretty good at winning face-offs.
CPB – Were you an offensive or defensive forward?
AA – I mean, I wasn’t too good enough to tell you that part but I was pretty well-rounded, I would say for my skill set.
CPB – Did you have a favourite hockey team growing up?
AA – Of course, the Bruins. Boston Bruins.
CPB – Did you have a favourite player?
AA – Growing up, I liked Nathan Horton. I liked watching him play. He was my favourite player growing up for a while. And then Johnny Boychuk. One of those big, bad Bruins days, Zdeno Chara, that age of them. I just loved watching them.
CPB – I’m sure being here in Vancouver has got to bring back positive memories of the Bruins’ last Stanley Cup victory here.
AA – Definitely. I was actually lucky enough to go catch a game, Canucks versus the Golden Knights so that was pretty cool to see.
CPB – How do you compare going to a game here in Vancouver as compared to Boston?
AA – It’s just a lot different going to a different team’s stadium, I would say. It’s not your team you grew up watching but I think it was a really cool atmosphere there. I think the fans are very into it there so I’d like to see that.
CPB – Now you mentioned Jackson Hornung was a high school teammate. You also know Pat Gallagher and Grayson Thurman. What’s it like being here on the Canadians with all these guys with the Boston Connections here?
AA – It’s awesome. You get that little piece of home with you when you’re almost across the world, but definitely in a different country. Having someone that I grew up with since kindergarten and then some other guys that I met along the way. It’s just nice to have that little piece of comfort.
CPB – You work with different catchers, of course, Jackson Hornung being one of them. It must seem surreal to you that here you are, you’re playing together in Little League, high school, and here you are in the pros.
AA – That’ll be a story that we can have for the rest of our lives so that’s pretty cool. I love pitching to him. I haven’t got to pitch to him too much this year. It’s just that comfort factor. Having to get in the pitch room because we know each other, we trust each other but it’s not always going to be that way. So I’m trying my best to work with these catchers, with Jommer (Jommer Hernández) and Robert Brooks, the new guy. I feel like I have a good relationship with both of them and all of them, so I think that helps a lot. Now it’s just getting on the same page with the pitches that I want to throw so we’re getting there.
CPB – When did you first became a pitcher full-time?
AA – I was mainly a pitcher in high school but I still played the field. I played infield a lot in high school and I hit. I wasn’t the best hitter. I would say pretty average but once I got to college is when I started pitching full-time. My coach gave me the option my freshman year to decide if I wanted to do both or not but I said no. I just wanted to focus on pitching.
CPB What would you say has helped you develop as a pitcher?
AA – Definitely lifting. Lifting and eating more. Just filling out with my body because I’m a slender guy. So filling out with my body and getting some strength has definitely helped with velo intake. And with that velo jump, it just helps me feel more comfortable in the zone so I think that helped a lot.
CPB – Was there a coach along the way that helped you develop your pitching style?
AA – I would definitely say my facility back at home. There’s a pitching coach there named Jeff Paulsen. He’s with a team called Nokona, like the glove brand but for an AAU team. I worked with him a lot through high school and I actually joined their team for summer ball for two years. I think that helped me a lot. Working with him has helped me a lot. And then also my pitching coach at school. His name’s Justin Kelly. He was a very big help in my career. CPB – Not to be confused with the Justin Kelly (2022-2024 C’s pitcher).
AA – Yeah. Not to be confused to be confused with the Justin Kelly. Also my two high school coaches. This wasn’t just me, so a lot of
help along the way.
CPB – When you look back at your time at UMass-Boston, part of the Little East Conference, what was the level of play like there?
AA – You know, for Division III, it was a really good conference. I mean, my final year at school. In 2022, we played Eastern Connecticut State in our conference. They lost three games all year and ended up winning the national title. Our conference is historically good. It was definitely a little nerve-wracking going in there at first, especially my school coming off a good year the year before. I just wanted to be able to compete at that high level that they’re looking for. I think I did a pretty good job of that. It was a lot of fun there. We had a really good group. My three years there, a lot of fun times on and off the field. I miss it but I’m in a better spot now.
CPB – You wind up with the Blue Jays. Obviously you were hoping to get drafted but I guess it was a pretty quick process once the draft was over and that Pete Holmes got in touch with you right away?
AA – Yeah. I was down on the Cape playing in the Cape Cod League and so on the third day of the draft, I was very overwhelmed because I didn’t know what was going to happen. I didn’t have my agent at the time, so I was going through it myself. My family was at home so it was just me. I got a call in the morning from him, just casual talk. And then once the draft ended, he gave me a call. When I say instantly, it felt like instantly. Once that last pick was in, he called me and it was honestly a very hard decision to make for me. He kind of gave me a little deadline. I think it might have been like a one-hour deadline. Somehow I managed to finagle my way to get to 10 hours later until I made my decision. Because I was torn between staying at school and coming back or deciding to come play pro ball but I definitely think I made the best decision to come here and play here.
CPB – The fact that you got to pitch in the Cape Cod League, that’s really considered the premier collegiate league in the summertime. What was your experience like there?That had to give you confidence that you’re good enough to hang there.
AA – Yeah, that was a really cool experience. You know, growing up, I heard about that all the time at Massachusetts. That’s another thing that I never really thought I would play in but I did. And I’m so happy that I did because that was one of the best summers of my life down there. My host family helped make that an experience to remember. And then also just playing against those high-level D-1 guys. Another thing being from D-3, you don’t face those guys. So facing them and doing pretty well definitely boosted the confidence a lot so I think that helps.
CPB – As far as your style of pitching, how would you describe yourself as a pitcher if you had to give a scouting report of yourself?
AA – That’s a good question. Definitely a competitor. Every time I go out there, I’m trying to perform to my best abilities. I know it’s not always going to seem that way because I keep my composure pretty well on the mound. That’s another thing. I’m pretty composed when I’m out there but I am always trying to attack these hitters to the best of my abilities. I’m not scared of them. I think that’s a big thing that I’ve adjusted to from last year to this year is the fear factor. Coming from D-3 to pro ball, I’m not scared of them. And I told myself this year that I’m not going to be scared of anyone who’s in the box from now on. I would say composed, competitive and not scared.
CPB – Talk about the pitches you are throwing right now, what is it that you do throw?
AA – I throw a four-seam fastball that should be around 93 to 95 (miles per hour) but right now it’s down a little bit, just mid-season stuff. I throw a 12-6 knuckle curve. I throw a nice little power slider that should be around 86, just with sharp late break. I would say that’s my best pitch right now. I also throw a change-up, which in college was my best pitch but right now, I don’t really have the feel for it. I don’t know what happened but we’ll get back to it.
CPB – The knuckle curve. Did you learn that on your own or did somebody teach you that?
AA – My pitching coach, the one from my old AAU team, actually taught me that. It took me a long time to get a feel for it. But once I got to pro ball, I kind of locked it in. And it’s been a great addition to use a lot more.
CPB – Have you ever tried throwing a knuckle ball itself?
AA – I have, yeah. Honestly, I’ve played catch with a knuckle ball a lot during catch-play before games. It’s just fun. I definitely don’t want to do that full-time. We have a couple teammates down in Dunedin that throw some and you can see just how hard it is. I definitely don’t want to do that but it’s definitely fun to throw.
CPB – And the slider, anyone teach you that?
AA – My pitching coach on the Cape actually taught me that one. His name’s Jim Lawler. He taught me that on the Cape. It worked really well for me on the Cape but I wasn’t throwing it as hard. And so when I got here, they kind of changed stuff again. I tried a sweeper and all that but I got back to it this offseason. And it’s been my best pitch so far so I’m happy I got back to it.
CPB – The changeup, split or circle?
AA – The circle change. So three fingers really on the ball and then a circle. I just try to throw that as hard as I can but like I said, I just kind of lost some feel for it. It’s not moving the way I want it to right now but we’ll get back to it.
CPB – You started off with the Dunedin Blue Jays. What was your first pro experience like with Dunedin?
AA – Last year was definitely an experience. From Massachusetts, always used to playing in the cold to going down to Dunedin last year, it was 92 degrees but it felt like 102 degrees. So that was definitely something to get used to. And playing in those big league spring training fields was pretty cool. We had a good group down there too. A lot of them got called up here last year. It was a fun year. We didn’t play the best, but we definitely had a good group of guys and a good coaching staff to be a part of. It was a lot of fun and like I said, I was a lot more nervous last year facing these guys. I think that was just a learning experience from last year. When I’m not scared, I pitch a lot better. And last year when I was scared, I could tell stuff goes wrong and stuff like that so last year was definitely a big learning experience.
CPB – You had a stint on the injured list but it was nothing too major, I guess?
AA – Just a little scap (scapula) flare up. That was something new to me because I never had any arm injuries like that until I got here. It was something little but definitely this year I’m trying to stay as healthy as I can. I don’t want to go back on rehab. I’m going to do my best to stay healthy and compete for the team.
CPB – You’re here now with Vancouver. Have you noticed a huge difference from the Florida State League to the Northwest League?
AA – Yeah, a big difference. I mean, the first part of it is the fans. Dunedin would have mostly family and friends. Other than that, there’d be about 20 people in the stands probably in due part to the heat. But here, we had 5,000 people on a Tuesday night so that’s a lot better coming out here and having a supportivel fan base and that gives you that adrenaline, the push that you need.
CPB – What’s it like pitching here at Nat Bailey Stadium?
AA – I mean, it’s a lot of fun. Like I said, the fans help. I love the old classic ballpark look and stuff like that. You sit in the bullpen. You look off and see the mountains in the distance. I mean, that’s something I’ve never seen before. It’s my first year here so I’ve never seen mountains before this. And I think that’s a really, really cool thing about this city. It’s just mountains, beach, and city, and some forests all in one. It’s pretty cool.
CPB – When you’re away from the ballpark, is there anything you like to do to unwind?
AA – Yeah, me and a lot of the guys sometimes will go take a hike on some of these trails. Like the Lynn Canyon we went to. We’ll go check out a lot of different restaurants. Just go walk around downtown. Like I said, we went to a Canucks game so that was a lot of fun. We try to find new stuff to do every day.
CPB – What’s it like getting used to a six-game a week schedule? It’s quite a bit different from college where you may have three, maybe four games a week. But what’s that difference been like?
AA – That’s the hardest part, I would say, is trying to control your workload. When you’re on the field, you just want to do stuff. And sometimes what you’re doing is maybe a little bit too much. So just finding that perfect balance between there. Like you said, in college, we would have practice and then maybe a game, practice more, and then games a little later in the week. So definitely having games every day with practice before that has been difficult. It’s a little exhausting but it’s something you got to get used to and push through to get better.
CPB – The transition to the bullpen, how’s that been? Do you prefer the bullpen or would you prefer to start?
AA – I would prefer to start, just because that’s all I’ve done growing up. I was always a starter. It just helps me get into a routine better. I feel better physically and stuff. But I’m going to do whatever they want me to do just so that way I can get to where I want to be. And so it’s just been a little challenging getting into that routine of coming out of the bullpen. Making sure my body feels right so that’s definitely been a challenge but like I said, I’ll do whatever they want me to do.
CPB – Favourite Major League team or player?
AA – Growing up, my favorite Major League team was the Red Sox. I loved watching Dustin Pedroia play when I grew up. Growing up, I was always a shorter guy. I didn’t really hit my growth spurt until college. But I loved watching him and David Ortiz. I loved watching Clay Buchholz, and all those pitchers. So definitely the Red Sox.
CPB – Final question. The Canadians have five uniforms—red, black, white, blue and gray, do you have a favourite?
AA – My favourite one is definitely the red. I think the red is a very clean, classic look. For the road, I like the gray as the best too. I think the red and gray are my two favourites.
Nine hits, three homers, eight RBI and 1.322 OPS in five games for #26
Blue Jays prospect
JACE NAMEDBOHROFEN NWL OF THE WEEK
Minor League Baseball has named Canadians outfielder Jace Bohrofen as the Northwest League Player of the Week for August 19-25 after he went 9-for-22 (.429) with a double, three home runs, 19 total bases, five runs scored, eight RBI and a walk in five games. He’s the third C’s player to earn the honor this year after Peyton Williams earlier this month and Ryan McCarty in April.
Bohrofen, 22, entered last week’s series with Everett riding an 11-game hitting streak and stretched it to a career-best 13 with a three-hit, three-RBI game on August 20 then his second four-hit game of the year the next night. Homers in those games were followed by a game-tying single in the tenth on August 24 as part of an 11-inning win and, to cap the week, his third bomb of the series on Sunday for his ninth and final hit.
The Oklahoma City, OK native has made a strong case to be the league’s top player this month. He’s slashing .365/.434/.595 with a 1.029 OPS, 27 hits, two doubles, five home runs, 14 runs scored, 21 RBI and seven walks in 18 August games. Bohrofen was a sixth round pick out of Arkansas in 2023 and is playing through his first full season as a pro.
BOHROFEN NWL PLAYER WEEK
CANADIANS TO REACH THE MAJOR LEAGUES
The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club has welcomed more than 800 players onto its rosters since 2000. That’s a lot of guys all striving to one day reach the bright lights of the Major Leagues. Here is a list of every one of our players who has arrived at the game’s highest stage and play in Major League Baseball.
2003 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Rich Harden P 2001 21-Jul Oakland
Neal Cotts P 2001 12-Aug Chicago (AL)
Mike Wood P 2001 21-Aug Oakland
2004 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Santiago Casilla P 2002 09-Aug Oakland
Nick Swisher OF 2002 03-Sep Oakland
Joe Blanton P 2002 24-Sep Oakland
2005 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Mark Teahen INF 2002 04-Apr Kansas City
Dan Johnson INF 2001 27-May Oakland
Omar Quintanilla INF 2003 31-Jul Colorado
Freddie Bynum INF 2000 30-Aug Oakland
Nelson Cruz OF 2002 17-Sep Milwaukee
2006 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
John Rheinecker P 2001 22-Apr Texas
Andre Either OF 2003 02-May Los Angeles (NL)
Chris Mabeus P 2001 29-May Milwaukee
Kurt Suzuki C 2004 12-Jun Oakland
Jason Windsor P 2004 17-Jul Oakland
Jeremy Brown C 2002 03-Sep Oakland
Mark Kiger INF 2002 13-Oct Oakland
2007 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Travis Buck OF 2005 02-Apr Oakland
Jared Burton P 2002 04-Apr Cincinnati
Danny Putman OF 2004 23-Apr Oakland
Dallas Braden P 2004 24-Apr Oakland
Connor Robertson P 2004 17-May Oakland
Marshal McDougall INF 2000 05-Jun Texas
Kevin Melillo INF 2004 24-Jun Oakland
Bill Murphy P 2002 03-Sep Arizona
2008 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Gregorio Petit INF 2004 18-May Oakland
John Baker C 2002 09-Jul Florida
Jeff Gray P 2005 08-Sep Oakland
2009 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Andrew Bailey P 2006 06-Apr Oakland
Landon Powell C 2004 11-Apr Oakland
Tommy Everidge INF 2004 28-Jul Oakland
Brad Kilby P 2005 02-Sep Oakland
Jeff Baisley INF 2005 09-Sep Oakland
2010 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
A.J. Griffin P 2010 24-Jun Oakland
Alexi Ogando P 2004 15-Jul Texas
2011 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Justin Sellers INF 2005 12-Aug Los Angeles (NL)
Anthony Recker C 2005 25-Aug Oakland
Corey Brown OF 2007 06-Sep Washington
2012 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Pedro Figueroa P 2007 21-Apr Oakland
Sean Doolittle P 2007 05-Jun Oakland
Dan Straily P 2009 30-Aug Oakland
2013 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Ian Krol P 2009 05-Jun Washington
Kevin Pillar OF 2011 14-Aug Toronto
Max Stassi C 2009 20-Aug Houston
Michael Choice OF 2010 02-Sep Oakland
2014 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Bo Schultz P 2009 23-Mar Arizona
Marcus Stroman P 2012 04-May Toronto
Aaron Sanchez P 2011 23-Jul Toronto
Dalton Pompey OF 2012 02-Sep Toronto
Daniel Norris P 2012 05-Sep Toronto
2015 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Miguel Castro P 2014 06-Apr Toronto
Roberto Osuna P 2012 08-Apr Toronto
Noah Syndergaard P 2011 12-May New York (NL)
Justin Nicolino P 2011 20-Jun Miami
Dusty Coleman INF 2008 03-Jul Kansas City
David Rollins P 2011 04-Jul Seattle
2016 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Andy Burns INF 2011 09-May Toronto
Matt Dermody P 2013 03-Sep Toronto
2017 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Dwight Smith Jr. OF 2012 18-May Toronto
Seth Frankoff P 2010 09-Jun Chicago (NL)
Ian Parmley OF 2013 23-Jun Toronto
Franklin Barreto INF 2014 24-Jun Oakland
Taylor Cole P 2012 09-Aug Toronto
Tim Mayza P 2014 15-Aug Toronto
Jairo Labourt P 2014 01-Sep Detroit
Carlos Ramirez P 2012 01-Sep Toronto
Richard Urena INF 2014 01-Sep Toronto
Tim Locastro INF 2014 29-Sep Los Angeles (NL)
2018 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Ryan Borucki P 2014 26-Jun Toronto
Justin Shafer P 2014 18-Aug Toronto
Murphy Smith P 2009 27-Aug Toronto
Dawel Lugo INF 2013 30-Aug Detroit
Jose Fernandez P 2014 01-Sep Toronto
Jonathan Davis OF 2014 05-Sep Toronto
Jon Berti INF 2011 26-Sep Toronto
2019 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
John Schneider MGR 2011/14-15 28-Mar Toronto
Travis Bergen P 2015-17 29-Mar San Francisco
Cavan Biggio INF 2016 25-May Toronto
T.J. Zeuch 2016 03-Sep Toronto
Lane Thomas OF 2015 17-Apr St. Louis
Ryan McBroom INF/OF 2014 03-Sep Kansas City
2020 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Nate Pearson P 2017 29-Jul Toronto
Dany Jiménez P 2017 23-Jul San Francisco
Patrick Murhpy P 2016 18-Sep Toronto
Ángel Perdomo P 2015 18-Aug Milwaukee
2021 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Josh Palacios OF 2016 09-Apr Toronto
Alek Manoah P 2019 27-May Toronto
Riley Adams C 2018 08-Jun Toronto
Tayler Saucedo P 2015 17-Jun Toronto
Nick Allgeyer P 2018 02-Jul Toronto
Otto López INF 2018 17-Aug Toronto
2022 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Zach Jackson P 2016 9-April Oakland
Zach Logue P 2017 19-April Oakland
Christian Lopes INF 2012 20-April Oakland
Vinny Capra INF 2018 1-May Toronto
Danny Young P 2015 9-May Seattle
Josh Winckowski P 2018 28-May Boston
Jake Fishman P 2017 31-July Marlins
2023 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Samad Taylor INF 2017 18-Jun Kansas City
Spencer Horwitz OF 2021 19-Jun Toronto
Davis Schneider INF/OF 2022 4-Aug Toronto
Hagen Danner P 2021 11-Aug Toronto
Cam Eden OF 2021 21-Sep Toronto
Jose Espada P 2018 24-Sep San Diego
2024 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM
Addison Barger INF/OF 2021 24-Apr Blue Jays
Brandon Eisert P 2021 17-Jun Toronto
Adam Kloffenstein P 2022 20-Jun St.Louis
Orelvis Martinez INF 2021 21-Jun Toronto
Steward Berroa INF 2022 23-Jun Toronto
Yosver Zulueta P 2022 25-Jun Cincinnati
Leo Jimenez INF 2022 4-July Toronto
Luis De Los Santos INF 2021 31-July Toronto
Griffin Conine OF 2018 26-Aug Miami
Supporting local charities in our community
SEPTEMBER 4 SUPPORTING
HOW TO SCORE A BASEBALL GAME
Different fans have different methods of keeping a scorecard, and many use their own notations. But here's a simple method: For example, If the hitter grounds out to shortstop, for example, write in "6-3," which shows the shortstop threw him out at first base. If the hitter flies out to left field, write a "7."
If the batter gets a hit, write in the hit according to which base he reached. Each corner of the box represents a base, with the lowerright corner being first.
If he singles, put a "-" in the lower right. If he doubles, write a "=" in the upper right, and so on. For a walk, use "BB" in the lower right. As the runner advances, mark the appropriate symbol in the appropriate corner.
If a runner scores, put a circle at the bottom of the box, and inside the
1ST INNING
1. SINGLED, ADVANCED ON NEXT BATTER'S WALK, TOOK 3RD ON FIELDER'S CHOICE, SCOREO ON NO. 4 BATTER'S DOUBLE
2. WALKED, LATER FORCED OUT, SHORTSTOP TO SECOND BASE
3. REACHED ON FIELDER'S CHOICE, ADVANCED TO 3RD ON NEXT BATTER'S DOUBLE, SCORED ON NO. 5 BATTER'S SINGLE
4. DOUBLED, SCORED ON NO. 5 BATTER'S SINGLE
5. SINGLED, ADVANCED TO 2ND ON NEXT BATTER'S SINGLE, STOLE 3RD BASE, THROWN OUT ON GROUNDER, SHORTSTOP TO CATCHER
6. SINGLED, STOLE 2ND BASE
7. REACHED 1ST ON FIELDER’S CHOICE
8. POPPED OUT TO 2ND BASE 2ND INNING
9. LEADOFF WITH DOUBLE
1. FLIED OUT TO CENTERFIELD
2. POPPED OUT TO SHORTSTOP
3. STRUCKOUT SWINGING
Umpires use a number of signals. Some of these are familiar and are associated with the Rules of Baseball, like safe, out, foul, etc. These are a few you are likely to see when scoring a game.
1. CENTER FIELDER
2. SHORTSTOP
3. 1ST BASEMAN
4. 3RD BASEMAN
5. RIGHT FIELDER
6. LEFT FIELDER
7. DESIGNATED HITTER
8. 2ND BASEMAN
9. CATCHER
circle put the symbol of the play and/or the player that drove him in. For example, if the No. 5 hitter drives in two runs with a single, mark his single in the bottom right of his box and mark a circle with the number "5" in the boxes of the runners who score (Some people like to use uniform numbers here, so you can tell who did what, even after lineup changes).
At the end of each inning, total the hits and runs for that inning only. At the end of the game you'll be able to add the innings total to get the game score.
SYMBOLS FOR PLAY
Double: Triple: Homerun: Sacrifice: Walk: Strikeout: Called Out on Strikes: Balk: Fielder’s Choice: Hit by Pitch: Wild Pitch:
LEFT FIELDER CENTER FIELDER RIGHT FIELDER
FOUL BALL
FOUL TIP STRIKE OUT
BASIC UMPIRE SIGNS FOR THE PLAYERS AND FANS
BY LINA SETAGHIAN
MEET OUR MASCOTS
THE VANCOUVER CANADIANS HAVE AN ARMY OF MASCOTS THAT ARE ALL DESIGNED WITH ONE COMMON GOAL – ENSURE EVERYONE OUT AT HISTORIC ROGERS FIELD AT NAT BAILEY STADIUM HAS FUN! FROM A LOVEABLE BEAR TO A TRIO OF SUSHI THAT ARE READY TO ROCK – NOT TO MENTION A CONDIMENT AND UTENSIL? THE CANADIANS MASCOTS ARE TRULY ONE OF A KIND!
BOB BROWN BEAR
Debut: 2007
Occupation: Canadians’ official mascot
Favourite Pastime: Meeting fans, giving high fives and hugs, posing for photos
About BBB: Makes more than 150 local community appearances every year and named after Vancouver’s Mr. Baseball, Bob Brown who dedicated his whole life to the game we love so dearly.
MR. KAPPA MAKI
Debut: 2008
Occupation: Staying cool, Professional Racer
Favourite Pastime: Attending birthday parties, winning races
Make-Up: Few slices of cucumber wrapped in rice and then rolled in a piece of dried seaweed. Sleek and light - Mr. Kappa Maki is always a tough competitor.
CHEF WASABI
Debut: 2008
Occupation: Chef, professional racer
Favourite Pastime: Running, cooking
Make-Up: Whether you buy wasabi in root form or as a green powder, there is one thing that is for sure - Chef Wasabi is one spicy addition to our Sushi Race!
SADAHARU SOY
Debut: 2015
Occupation: Pot Stirrer, Professional Racer Favourite Pastime: Cooking, meeting fans, running
Make-Up: Known to add a little saltiness to any meal, Sadaharu Soy was named after the legendary baseball slugger Sadaharu Oh who’s legend is global. Sadaharu is both physical and a little trickly during the sushi races!
MS. BC ROLL
Debut: 2008
Occupation: Pageant queen, professional racer
Favourite Pastime: Beating Chef Wasabi in Sushi Races and hanging out at the ballpark Make-Up: Combination of barbecue BC smoked salmon and fresh cucumber with a little mayonnaise to keep her rollin'.
CHOP N’ STIX
Debut: 2018
Occupation: Hand Tools, Professional Racers Favourite Pastimes: Helping people, racing Make-Up: Renewable, reusable and environmentally friendly! Chop & Stix come to the ballpark to keep the peace between the super competitive sushi and sauce. Connected at the top, Chop & Stix have a few challenges to iron out during the race – but they always get an A for effort.
MASCOT PUZZLE GIVEAWAY
Fans looking to watch Minor League games during the upcoming season have access to additional features with an At Bat subscription. At Bat subscribers can stream more than 7,000 Minor League games LIVE or on-demand on MiLB.com or in the MiLB app, watch their favorite MLB team's affiliates on MLB.TV and listen to EVERY out-of-market MLB game LIVE or on-demand throughout the 2024 season.
BUCK MARTINEZ
SEPT 3
SATURDAY PRESENTED BY NÜTRL
GE T TICK E T S SEPT 7